The Participation in Sport and Physical Recreation Survey was also conducted in 2005–06 and 2009–10. For information on the differences between the surveys, see paragraphs 29 to 32 of the Explanatory Notes.

There was no significant change in the participation rate between 2009–10 and 2011–12 (64% and 65% respectively). However, as the population increased so too did the number participating, which grew from 11.1 million to 11.7 million between the two reference periods. Rates by age remained the same over the two periods with the exception of those aged 35–44 where participation increased from 65% in 2009–10 to 69% in 2011–12 (Table 13).

There were significant increases in participation rates between 2009–10 and 2011–12 for people who were born overseas (56% to 59%), people living in capital cities (64% to 66%), and those who were not in the labour force (53% to 55%) (Table 14).

Walking for exercise remained the most popular activity over time with a similar participation rate from 2009–10 to 2011–12 (23% and 24% respectively). The participation rate for cycling or BMXing increased from 6.5% to 7.6%. Similarly, the rate of people participating in jogging or running increased from 4.3% in 2005–06, to 6.5% in 2009–10, to 7.5% in 2011–12 (Table 15).